Cavaliers fall guy getting behind-the-scenes Knicks push

That’s the move David Griffin could potentially make. Sources told ESPN that running the Knicks is the type of job he covets after being ousted by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert earlier this month. The Knicks are targeting Raptors president Masai Ujiri, but taking him from Toronto would cost the Knicks in compensation. That is not the case for Griffin, who is a respected front-office free agent.

ESPN reports Jerry West, currently a Clippers adviser, is reaching out to Tim Leiweke to endorse Griffin as a Knicks candidate to replace Phil Jackson. Leiweke, a long-time sports executive, formerly of the Raptors, is consulting the Knicks through their transition away from Jackson. GM Steve Mills is running the shop in the interim and will guide the team through free agency, which starts Saturday.

One source told ESPN the Knicks have not reached out to Griffin, but have started doing background work on him. Griffin had support from James and others in the Cavaliers organization, but Gilbert opted not to retain him amid a contract dispute.

Griffin wanted to be paid like a top executive after guiding the team to three straight NBA Finals, including a championship in 2016. The decision to let Griffin go has left the Cavaliers in turmoil as they try to pull off a trade to land Paul George or add pieces in free agency that will help James challenge the Warriors next season.